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Friday, October 28, 2011

Call Me A Late Bloomer. I Am Just Beginning To Discover The Magnificent Complexity Of Beer.

I’ve never liked beer…that is until recently. Blue Moon Beer put me on a path of educating myself on the difference between a beer and a really good beer. It’s about time don’t you think?

For most of my adult life, a beer was a beer was a beer. Quite frankly, I couldn’t tell the difference between a Bud and a Miller Lite.

Complicating matters even worse, pairing beer with food is a challenge of another kind.

Generally you can pair light dishes with light beer and heavy dishes with heavy beer.

Yes, that’s the one thing I took away from my education today at the Haymarket Pub and Brewery at 737 West Randolph.

There are plenty of breweries in Chicago to go get a lesson on the 101’s of beer but this one happens to have all of the right ingredients for an excellent class: well-informed bartenders and staff, good home brews (their own Belgian IPA ‘Angry Birds’ won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival) and extraordinary food.

I really expected run of the mill bar food and instead got amazing cuisine made with only the freshest of ingredients. The key? They make a lot of what they put on your table in-house.

This white pizza with homemade bacon and blue cheese was to die for.

I was tempted to order more off the menu but I knew my limits. Beer is filling and I had mine after sipping the four brews that were suggested to me as a newbie. Pay particular attention to the fact that they did not ease me in with anything light and fizzy.

Speakerswagon Pilsner 5.8%Buk Black Rye Rock 7%7GA I.P.A. 6.8%Perception I.P.A. 6.5% (this one was put on the menu just two days ago)

I enjoyed all of them but to my surprise, the beer I expected to like the least I liked the most- The BUK Black Rye Rock. It was totally smooth and not heavy like I thought it would be.

Haymarket does sell beer flights – you can order 4 ounce minis for about $1.50 each - and they are a great way to jump in and test the waters. In fact, they are likely to push you from the stage of just drinking beer to really enjoying beer and that was a huge leap for me.

I have always been a wino so here are some easy comparisons between wine and beer:

Pizza, for example, is greasy and requires something that will hold up to the acid in the tomato and take out the greasy cheese but not overwhelm the dish. Pilsners and Lagers do the trick.

Go for stronger and fruitier flavors when feasting on spicy fare: Lighter Ales in particular

Another rule of thumb is if you're pairing a meal with different beers make sure to start with a light beer and work your way to darker beers.

So where was I through all of this when the beer revolution was quietly brewing in Portland and finally took hold in the 1980’s? Turning up my nose on the way to the wine department.

The craft beer industry grew from just a few pioneers to more than 1,700 breweries in 2010. I guess this is when I started to pay attention. Not because the brands were finally getting recognition but because I had my first Blue Moon and was hooked. Suddenly pizza, hamburgers, chili and Mexican all spoke beer to me.

These days, there are even beer pairings for breakfast – Pancakes with a Stout and sausage with a Bock. I’ll have to take this one in later because it can easily burn up another post.

An Always Rule of Thumb: If you don’t feel risky, stick with what you know. Chances are the safe bet is the one you will like the most anyway.

But…on second thought, if I hadn’t taken that risk on the Buk Black Rye Rock 7%, I would still be thinking that a beer is a beer is a beer.

Bon Appetit!

I’ve been making this Beer Cheese Soup recipe for years and have yet to find another one that I like better.

This recipe came from my mom’s high school friend Johnny Glick.The Gluek name has been part of Minnesota brewing history for over 150 years.

Photo: MNBEER.com

Gluek’s always keep in step with technology, first by using one-way (cans) containers for their beer and then by developing a ground-breaking new malt beverage called "Stite," a predecessor of today's "light beer.”

Many drinkers maintained that it had a higher than average alcohol contents and with all of the high alcohol contents I had today, I am convinced that Gluek’s was a brewer before it’s time!

I was prepared to pass off this recipe as just another onion ring recipe but it was really, really, really good … so I had onion rings for breakfast this morning. Honestly, after making this I think that I have fallen in love with Guinness for cooking.

Make sure you coat them really well with flour when you take them out of the buttermilk.

That second step of dunking them in Guinness and flour was the brilliant extra that made them really crunchy. P.S. I only use Vidalias.

Working in small batches; remove onions from buttermilk and drain. Dredge in seasoned flour; shake excess. Dip in beer batter; drain excess.

Carefully lower onion rings, one at a time, into hot oil (do not overcrowd) and deep fry until golden brown, turning several times during frying with tongs. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Repeat process with remaining onion rings.

Season with salt, if desired. Serve hot.

I thought that these short ribs would be so much better braised in the oven but to my surprise, they really turned out well and I loved the bath of hoisin sauce at the end.Serve with mashed potatoes and a great bottle of red.

Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot with a lid (Dutch oven) over high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides, in batches if necessary. Remove the ribs and pour off all but a couple tablespoons of the rendered fat.

Return the pot to the stove, lower the heat to medium and saute the garlic and ginger for about 3 minutes. Add the ribs back to the pot. Add the beer and the vinegar. Stir and then cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Pour the hoisin sauce over the ribs, move the pot to the oven, and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Remove ribs and ginger from sauce. Strain fat from the top of the pot so that you're left with just the good stuff.

This was an interesting drink and a perfect lead in for fall.

I used Apple Cider instead of the Applejack. I also used my recipe for Pumpkin Syrup from last week’s post.

Shake the non-beer ingredients well with cracked ice. Pour into a rocks glass, add cold beer and stir. Rim glass and garnish with an orange wheel.

I discovered homemade chicken bratwurst at my butcher shop a year ago and haven’t had a “real” one since they are that good.

I have a really good recipe for German Potato Salad but I liked this one, too. The eggs gave it a different consistency and I used pancetta instead of bacon. I also did not mash the mixture. Somehow I just can’t imagine taking the masher to something I painstakingly put together. It looked splendid the way it was.

Remember to closely monitor the addition of vinegar and mustard to the mix as it is definitely a matter of taste.

In a saucepan, over medium heat, bring the beer up to a simmer. Add the brats, and cook until plump, about 6 minutes. Set aside.

Preheat the grill.

For the Potato Salad: Place the potatoes in a second saucepan, and cover them with salted water by 2 inches. Place the saucepan over medium heat, and simmer the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well, and return to the saucepan to keep warm.

In the meantime, grab a skillet and cook the bacon until crispy over medium heat. Add the onions, and season with pepper. Saute for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Set aside.

Transfer the potatoes and the bacon mixture (including the fat) to a large mixing bowl. Add vinegar (to taste), mustard, eggs and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Using the back of a spoon, mash the mixture together.

Lightly brush the sausages with oil. Place on the grill, and cook for a few minutes on each side.
Remove the sausages from the grill, and serve with potato salad, rolls and mustard.
Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese? This version adds the great flavor of beer and be sure to use the panko crumbs. I didn’t think I had any and the ends of my elbows got a slight bit crispy.
I found them a week later. Do you think it’s time to clean out my cupboards?

Prepare water for pasta and boil according to directions, shaving 1-2 minutes off of cooking time since pasta will continue to cook in the oven.

Heat a saucepan over medium high heat and add butter. Once melted and sizzling, whisk in flour to create a roux and cook until bubbly and golden in color, about 2 minutes. Add milk and beer into saucepan whisking constantly, then add cheeses and stir until melted. Turn heat down to medium and continue to stir, cooking for 5-6 minutes while mixture thickens.

It will most likely NOT thicken like regular mac and cheese because of the beer, but you want it to thicken a little bit. Stir in pepper, paprika and nutmeg.

Add noodles (once cooked and drained) to a casserole dish, then pour cheese over top, mixing gently to combine. Top with panko bread crumbs and an additional sprinkle of cheese if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

I saw this photo in a magazine and liked it so much that I used a biscuit cutter to make a circular design instead of the square just like the photograph.

As it turned out, the sweet little cakes make a perfect base for fruit and whipped cream…just like a shortcake.

Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken, skin side down, in a single layer. Cook until the skin is well browned, about 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and transfer the pan to the oven. Roast the chicken until it is cooked through - an instant read thermometer should register 170 F, about 5-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Add the shallots to the pan and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour until combined. Gradually add the beer, chicken stock, maple syrup and thyme, whisking frequently. Raise the heat to high, and bring the sauce to a boil, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the sauce reduces to about 1 cup (or to your desired consistency), about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the mustard and the butter, then season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, dip each chicken thigh in the sauce and turn to coat. Plate the chicken, then spoon additional sauce over the top and garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

Highwood officials said Saturday that the city had lit more than 31,000 pumpkins during its annual Pumpkin Fest, breaking a world record.

The unofficial count that will be sent to Guinness Book of World Records officials will be released Wednesday.

Guinness officials will look over the city's photos and videos of the thousands to pumpkins to determine whether Highwood will be the new title holder for the most jack-o'-lanterns lit at one time -- an honor currently held by Boston, who, in 2006, lit 30,128.

It was an absolutely beautiful Indian summer day and the crowds were determined to put Highwood in the record books.

I loved all of the added booths and activities to the Festival this year.

I headed into Perennial Virant at 1800 North Lincoln Avenue for a quick bite on my way home from the market.

Part of the Boka Restaurant Group, founded by Bob Katz and Kevin Boehm (the other restaurants in the group include Fish and GT Oyster and the Girl and the Goat), this gem had all the makings of the market across the street…fresh, organic and directly from the farm to the table. I was again reminded of the importance of fresh ingredients. It’s interesting that when I eat fresh ingredients, I eat less.

I had the Classic and classic it was. The bread, the jam, the sausage were made fresh in the restaurant…somewhere in the basement.

The Homeboys – fried potatoes - were tiny, crispy and had a topping of Brunkow cheese curds. I made a mental note to come back just for the potatoes.

The eggs were so fresh I remember thinking that I would never buy them at the grocery store ever again. The difference in taste was truly astonishing.

I saw so many terrific things on the menu I have to come back…if for nothing else, just to see what they are cooking up downstairs in that basement.

My Secret Garden

I’ve been in Chicago going on three decades and it took me this long to uncover my favorite spot… a secret garden.

I would keep it secret but it was so fantastic that I want you to discover it too.

The New Leaf Studio and Garden at 1818 N Wells St is a drop me off spot. Kind of like St. Maarten – and once you hit their interior garden, you don’t want to ever leave. It’s so powerful and peaceful it left me speechless.

The garden was overflowing with iron furniture, magnificent plants and pots and so much sunshine you would be adamant that summer was never going to leave you ever.

The tranquil environment showcases so much floral and artistic substance it was incredible.

The space is multi-leveland you’ll discover treasures both downstairs (the visual effects of what is in the basement really took me back) and up (a collection of antiques – of course this place has its revered treasures, too).

There are small work stations where staff were putting together stunning works of art that you swear are going off to a royal wedding.

Go down there and take a look or yourself because it’s going to take me at least a couple week s to process this find.

Coming off of the Farmers market this week – one of the last ones of the season- you definitely noticed a change of produce.

Instead of the normal summer fare (although I did see some tomatoes), dried corn, pumpkins and celery root had made their way into the line-up and there was no turning back for a grasp of summer. Even the peaches were gone.

Don’t know that I am mentally ready for fall but I am up for some of the great recipes that takes us into the season.

Bon Appetit!

CELERY ROOT:

That ugly, unattractive root that you see at the farmer’s market near the turnips and rutabagas has a subtle flavor and a velvety texture. You would never guess by looking at it.

In this recipe a Yukon Gold is perfect and becomes another way to enjoy mashed potatoes.

In my wildest dreams, I never thought that I would enjoy celery root but incorporated into mashed potatoes, I would definitely do this recipe again.

In a medium sized saucepan, put the celery root, and the water. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and the milk and bring to a boil. Season with salt, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook with the lid of the saucepan partially on for 15 minutes. Remove the lid entirely, and continue to cook for 5 minutes. It is okay if milk gets frothy. Celery root and potatoes should be softened at this point, and the vegetables should be falling apart.

Remove from heat and with a hand-masher, mash the ingredients well. Taste, and season with salt and pepper, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Upon serving, top with additional tablespoon of butter, if desired.

PUMPKIN:

People who love pumpkin pie may be surprised to learn that not everybody feels the same way. For years, I was one of those people who refused to eat pumpkin of any kind.

What changed it for me? Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte. It was indisputable love even at 380 calories and 13 grams of fat. I was addicted and still am to this day. Is it worth every calorie? Absolutely!

The pumpkin recipes that follow took me beyond latte and into the celebrated taste that only pumpkin can provide...a taste that I discovered way too late so I have to make up for lost time.

Getting my pumpkin fix will be far too easy once I go home and get into my sister’s pumpkin dip. Look for it there on my recipe page.

Bon Appetit!

These easy parfaits make for a simple, fall dessert. I used Anna’s gingersnaps because they are so rich and I actually piled on double of what it called for. I’m into the crunch!

Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfaits

1 15-ounce can Pure Pumpkin

4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/8 tsp Ginger

1/8 tsp Nutmeg

1 cup Heavy Cream

2 Tbsp Sugar

12 Gingersnap Cookies

Crush 8 of the gingersnap cookies. Beat together the pumpkin, cream cheese, brown sugar, and spices until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat together the heavy cream and sugar until thickened.

To assemble the parfaits, divide half of the pumpkin mixture into four cups. Sprinkle half of the gingersnap crumbs over the pumpkin. Spoon about half of the whipped cream over the gingersnaps in the four cups. Sprinkle with the remaining gingersnap crumbs. Spoon the remaining pumpkin over the gingersnap crumbs. Top with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish each parfait with a gingersnap cookie.

Serves 4

Now you’re talking dessert. I love bread pudding and this variation is the perfect complement to any fall meal.

Next round: I would change this out and add some really great apples for variation.I will also use croissants or brioche as it produces a much richer pudding.

Whisk together the rest of the ingredients in another bowl, then pour pumpkin/cream mixture over the bread. Toss to coat the bread well. Let it sit, covered, for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the custard absorb into the bread.

Transfer to an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish and bake until custard is set, 25 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, for individual servings, divide and transfer to 6 ramekins.

Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkling of chopped pecans.

No peaches at the Farmers Market so I had to use frozen peaches… but they were just as good in this fall preserve.

This would also be a nice gift to give for the holidays.

PEACH PUMPKIN BUTTER

2 large peaches (They were gone from the Farmer’s market so I used frozen and adapted)

Wash and remove the pits from the peaches and chop into large cubes – about 1″ or so.

Put in a medium saucepan and add the 3 cups of water and 1/2 cup of sugar and the fresh or candied ginger.

Bring to a boil and boil for about 20 minutes until the peaches are very tender.

Set aside for a few minutes to cool.

Using a wire mesh strainer add some of the peaches, remove any ginger pieces in there, and push through the strainer into a clean bowl. You want as much of the peach pulp as possible but want to discard the skins.

Repeat, being sure to keep the liquid from the pot, until all the peaches are used up.

Scrape the bottom of the strainer and add the peach pulp, pumpkin, extra 1/2 cup of sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and dried ginger to the pot.

Note: With frozen peaches, I combined all with a cup of water and slow cooked on top of the stove. I used a hand masher to mash the peaches as they softened.

Stir to combine then bring to a boil on the stove over medium-high heat. You’ll want to boil for about 10-15 minutes, stirring very constantly, until the mixture has reduced by about half and is very thick.

You want the mixture to thicken and turn a deep brown, but not burn. As with other preserves if you put a little dollop of the mixture onto a cooled plate it should be thick enough to not run.

You’re talking my kind of coffee. I can think of a few dozen variations of this drink so the possibilities are endless when it comes to mixing it up.

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat.

Stirring occasionally, allow the mixture to come to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

When the syrup is cool, strain into a clean jar through a fine mesh sieve.

For anyone you know who loves cinnamon rolls, this is the recipe. It’s safe to say that includes almost every kid under the age of 10.

It looks complicated but worth it in the end…especially when they take their first bite.

I’m not a huge fan and even I enjoyed them for a change.

I also served them with maple syrup.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Yield: 8 large pancakes - Adapted from Recipe Girl

For the cinnamon swirl:

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese icing:

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter

2 ounces cream cheese

3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the pancakes:

1 1/2 cups 1% milk

1 cup pure unsweetened pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2/ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

Prepare the cinnamon filling:

In a small, microwave-safe bowl, heat butter for 40 to 60 seconds, just until butter is melted. Whisk in brown sugar and cinnamon and let the mixture sit on the counter to thicken while you work on the next steps.

Prepare the icing:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat butter and cream cheese 30 to 60 seconds, just until butter has melted and cream cheese has softened. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla and combine until smooth. Pour the icing in a sandwich-size ziplock bag and set aside.

Prepare the pancake batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin, eggs, oil, and vinegar. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt and brown sugar. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir just until all is moistened.

Check on your cinnamon filling:

Whisk up the cinnamon mixture again if the butter has separated at all and pour into a sandwich-size ziplock bag. The mixture should have thickened to about the consistency of toothpaste (throw it in the refrigerator for a few minutes if you need to - the swirl won't work if it is runny). Snip off a small piece of the corner of the bag and set aside carefully so nothing leaks out.

Cook the pancakes:

Preheat a large skillet or griddle to medium. Use a ladle or an ice cream scoop to add the batter to the pan. Use the bottom of the scoop or ladle to spread out the batter into a nice, even circle. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pick up your cinnamon filling baggie and squeeze the filling into the corner. Starting at the center of the pancake squeeze the cinnamon filling on top of the pancake batter in a swirl. Cook the pancakes 3 to 4 minutes, or until bubbles begin popping on top of the pancake and it is golden brown on the bottom.

Slide a thin spatula underneath the pancake and gently but quickly flip it over. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the other side is golden as well. When you flip the pancake onto a plate, you will see that the cinnamon filling has created a crater-swirl of cinnamon. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, and repeat with the remaining pancake batter and cinnamon filling.

Just before serving, cut the tip off of the bag with the cream cheese icing and drizzle it on top of the pancakes. Serve pancakes hot.

Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Set a large, French Oven over medium-high heat and add in extra-virgin olive oil. When the pot is very hot, add the beef and stir until brown.

Add in the onion, garlic, and chipotle peppers. Stir in chili powder. Stir in tomato paste and the entire can of tomatoes with their liquid into the pot. Stir in chocolate.
Add enough water to just cover the meat and simmer over medium-low to low heat, uncovered, until the meat is fork tender, about 2 hours.

When the meat is fork tender, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into pieces and return it to the pot. At this point, taste the chili and season with salt and black pepper. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

This cupcake recipe is the defined way to cure your sweet tooth and your craving for an at home fall recipe.

Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat; stir 4 minutes or until smooth. It's very important to keep the heat very low because if the caramel gets too hot it will become really hard when cooled.

Spread caramel mixture over cupcakes being careful to not touch the caramel to the paper liners or it will stick to the liners; immediately sprinkle with pecans, pressing in slightly. Insert a wooden stick into center of each cupcake. Store covered in an airtight container. It's best to serve the cupcakes the same day that you add the caramel topping. Caramel will soften if kept at room temperature for too long so store in the refrigerator until ready to serve then let come to room temperature to let caramel soften up a bit.

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Foodie Hub (Chowzter)

I'm excited to to join the team of photographers and writers at Foodie Hub (Chowzter), an international food and beverage website and mobile app. I will be covering the cities of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Querétaro and Oaxaca. Here is the link:www.foodiehub.tv

If you discover a great spot you think I should try, send me an email. The email address is on the contact page of this website.

Don't forget to check FOODIE HUB any time you travel for the best recommendations made by local experts.

Cupcakesand Crablegs

About Me

Happy Wanderer and seasoned traveler. Currently in San Miguel de Allende for food project. Mother of one talented and funny son. Runner/cyclist/athlete. Award winning, published and exhibited photographer. Into breakfast, dark chocolate and white wine. Loves to cook. Owns a million swimsuits. Sings in the shower. Blows bubbles and follows shooting stars. St Maarten is my “leave me there” place. There is nothing better than running up the tunnel on Saturday morning across the street from the Drake and seeing the Chicago skyline. Love the color white and if it’s not a color – I pick red. Always up for a new adventure… I can have my bags packed in 5 minutes. Mexican in my past life and Italian in my next. All of my best memories in life have been at the beach.Love Life and never look back!